The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1887-03-05
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have ever lovedI Leonard! If you would
only come backr'
Valerie, grown young lady now, had
made her debut in society and was received
with enthusiasm. For, although her beau.
ty was not so great as her sisters, there
was NAivETE and a grace about her
which were irresistible. So Hal Lynde-
hurst thought, and straightway became her
shadow.
So evident was his infatuation that the
affair was considered settled, much to Mrs.
Changers satisfaction, for Lyndehurst was
very wealthy.
One day Captain Leonard Clavering-
just home from Europe-walked down the
street from his hotel ia company with an
acquaintance.
"Vhat's the news?" asked Leonard,
! lighting cigar as lie saunteled on,
"Oh. nothing much" returned the 9th
er. 'nnless-ah, yes, you were acquainted
with Miss Valerie Granger, were you not
Clavering?
"A littler'
"Humph! Well, she Is soon to be mar
ried-to Hal Lyndehurst. Lucky fellow
or lie would be, only understand that it is
an entirely mercenary marriage on her
part"
Clavering turned upen him almost
fiercely
81 don't believe itr' he cried NOBODY
could make me believe that Valerie Grang-
er would marry a man whom she did not
lover'
lie turned as he spoke, and there, coming
down the street, was Valerie Granger, fair
and sweet, in the dainliest of costumes, in
company with her mother.
moment more and they had met. They
stoppedshort and greetings were exchanged,
and when they parted again Clavering had
promised to call that evening.
He meant to find out the truth. If she
was false, then all women were faithless.
That evening he found her alone for
few moments, her mother having been
called away. In few words, Leonard
Clavcring told her of his love.
''See, Valerev' he said, "my love has
survived your lily, for here Is all that is
left of it?'
And ne showed her--hldden away be-
tween the leaves of his note-book-the
shriveled ghost of faded flower.
She lifted her eyes to his. and he read
his answer there. And he knew then that
the story of her marriage was all q mistake,
and that she was his own forever.
An hour later at Mrs. Stanlcy's ball,
Leonard Clavering met his old love for the
first time since his return home.
One swift glance from the beautiful blue
eyes, and she held out white gloved hand.
Surely Captain Cavering has not for
gotten his old friend, Estelle Granger?" she
quered.
He took the proffered hand in his own.
There was not thrill at his heart; his
love for her was dead and buried
But they sauntered away together out
upon moonlit balcony, and once alone he
began:
Miss Granger, l claim your congratula-
lions, am going to be marriedr'
She fell back pallid and painting, her eyes
full of anguish.
Leonard! oh, Leonardo she walled,
land | love you sor'
His lips curlcd scornfully.
You are too late" lie made answer, |
Your love could not awaken the faintest
response in my heart, Estele Granger! But
the best-the noblest love Of my life is Civ
Ell to your sister, who has promised to be-
come my wife at no distant day. So, Miss !
Granger, simple little Valerie will be Mrs |
Ross, and the mistress of Rossmoyncr'
She gazed into his face with wild, in
credulous eyes.
What do you mean?r she faltered.
81 am Leonard Claverins Rossr' lie
went on to explain. "There was mistake
made in the name when was first pre.
sentcd in society here, and decided be- !
ing stranger-to allow it TO remain SO for
time. l wanted to win some tue wo-
manly heart that would care for me, and |
not for the owner of Rossmoyne! And / !
have found her. She is coming"
And he turned to greet Valerie.
She took his arm and they moved away
together, while Estelle Granger's eyes fol-
lowed them in mad despair.
She bowed her head; her heart aching
with dull, heavy pain that was awful to
bear.
"9Iy punishment is iustr she said.